Exploring the 7 Key Benefits of Cycling for Seniors

Many people remember riding a tricycle as a child and enjoying the sense of freedom it brought. While you might have outgrown your tricycle then, tricycles offer a ton of benefits for senior citizens as well.

When it comes to cycling for seniors, young ones, or those with limited physical abilities, tricycles offer increased balance and stability that allow for an easy, smoother ride. With such a simple learning experience, it’s no wonder tricycling is becoming a popular activity for people of all ages.

Riding the Viribus TriGo is a breeze for seniors! 

Of course, cycling offers plenty of benefits for everyone. Whether you’re cruising the streets on a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler, cycling promotes physical wellness. No matter the skill level or age, you will love the freedom that a bicycle or trike can bring. Here are the top 7 benefits of cycling for seniors.

Physical Benefits:

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Physical activity is important at any age, and while pedaling gives your legs the lion’s share of the workout, the overall physical excretion a good ride provides positively impacts your heart, blood vessels, and lungs as well. Aerobic exercises like cycling are linked to improved fitness, along with increased cardiovascular health.

In fact, cycling is an easy exercise to integrate into your daily life. Turn a five-minute drive into a 15-minute trike ride for the added benefit of decreased chances of strokes, heart attacks, obesity, and arthritis (among other things)!

Increased Muscle Strength and Joint Flexibility

Consistent cycling sessions can significantly enhance muscle strength, especially in your lower body. Cycling benefits those with arthritis and bad knees as it builds and fortifies the muscles surrounding your knee with less stress on joints such as knees, shoulders, and wrists. This makes cycling one of the best, low-impact cardio exercises you can easily pick up.

Weight Management and Improved Metabolism

Cardiovascular activities such as cycling promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, boosting metabolism, while more safely raising your heart rate which, in turn, boosts your metabolism too. If you’re looking for a way to keep up your fitness while also shedding some pounds, increasing the intensity of your pedaling is one way to do it. Otherwise, if you’re just looking to maintain your health, moderate cycling for 30 minutes a day will still burn calories.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Consistent, aerobic exercise like cycling can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This study shows that cycling was associated with a lowered risk of mortality causes, including cancer and heart disease. Overall, the fitness benefits of cycling for seniors lead to better quality of life.

Mental Benefits of Cycling:

Stress Reduction and Improved Mood

Cycling can increase endorphin production in your brain. Exercise produces endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—the happy hormones. This rush of natural chemicals in your body can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression levels.

Enhanced Cognitive Function and Memory

Regular physical activity like cycling has been shown to maintain or even improve cognitive function and memory. Even simply being outdoors has been proven to positively affect cognitive function, due to stress reduction and attention restoration. Indeed, cycling outside (as opposed to a stationary cycle for senior citizens) can significantly improve cognitive function and brain integrity.

Social Benefits of Cycling for Seniors:

Opportunity for Social Interaction and Community

Once you pick up a hobby, it’s easy to meet like-minded individuals with similar interests. Whether it’s meeting someone while strolling on the open road, or receiving a compliment from a stranger, a tricycle can be a great conversation starter that leads you to a whole community.

You can meet new people at a cycling group or event. Being part of a club can give users a sense of routine, belonging, and the opportunity to make new friends!

Safety Considerations for Senior Citizens

There are a plethora of benefits to cycling for seniors! Exercise periodically can improve your overall quality of life, as well as grant you new experiences. Now that you know the benefits cycling can bring, focusing on your safety is imperative.

Viribus encourages you to not only choose the right bike or trike, but also the correct equipment. Adopt preventative measures by wearing a helmet and kneepads, using reflective lights or headlights, and abiding the rules of traffic.

What Is the Best Tricycle for Seniors?

The best tricycle for seniors will have a low step-through frame; ergonomic handlebars; an upright, comfortable seat; a strong, stable structure; and perhaps even a battery for pedal assistance. The Viribus TriGo Plus Electric Tricycle offers all these intuitive features and more! Comfort, balance, and safety are all important factors to consider when choosing a tricycle for adults.

A low-set frame will prevent users from having to swing their leg over the trike in order to mount it. Likewise, ergonomic features such as the Viribus TriGo Plus’ raised handlebars and cushioned seat allow riders to maintain an upright position, reducing strain on your back and wrists. Underneath the saddle rests a 350W battery that can be removed and recharged, or simply charged on the vehicle. This powerful battery empowers users to ride further and faster, conquering hills and terrain otherwise untouchable.

Take your Viribus TriGo Plus anywhere! 

Luckily, staying active in your senior years has never been easier! With all the extraordinary benefits cycling has for seniors, maintaining your health can be enjoyable and achievable. Hop on a Viribus vehicle today and take a ride towards a better health and future not just for you, but for your loved ones as well.